Overview
EN ISO 12312-1:2022 (ISO 12312-1:2022) specifies requirements and test methods for afocal (plano power) sunglasses and clip‑ons for general use, including road use and driving, intended to protect the eyes from solar radiation. Adopted by CEN, this European version aligns with ISO and supports conformity with EU Regulation 2016/425 where applicable (see Annex ZA). Informative guidance on sunglass filters is in Annex A, and requirements for unmounted replacement filters are specified in Annex C.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard covers practical and testable elements important for product safety and market compliance:
- Construction and materials - frame and filter material quality, physiological compatibility and headform-based fit tests.
- Transmittance and filter categories - test methods for luminous and solar transmittance, uniformity, wide‑angle scatter and special requirements for road use and driving; provisions for claimed filter properties.
- Refractive power and optical quality - spherical/astigmatic power limits, spatial deviation and prism imbalance considerations.
- Robustness and mechanical performance - minimum filter robustness, frame deformation, filter retention; optional strength levels for impact resistance and enhanced endurance.
- Resistance tests - resistance to solar radiation, ignition resistance and optional abrasion resistance.
- Protective requirements - coverage area and temporal protection characteristics relevant to sun exposure.
- Information and labelling - mandatory information supplied with each pair (see Clause 12), plus additional labelling and instructions to ensure correct use.
- Test sampling and conditioning - selection, preparation and conditioning of samples for reliable testing.
Practical applications
EN ISO 12312-1:2022 is used to:
- Design and validate sunglasses and clip‑ons for everyday and road use.
- Define manufacturing and quality‑control criteria for optical and mechanical performance.
- Test and certify products for marketplace conformity and consumer safety.
- Inform product marking, user instructions, and safety information for end users.
Who should use this standard
- Sunglass manufacturers and designers - to ensure product safety and market acceptance.
- Testing laboratories and certification bodies - for standardized test methods and acceptance criteria.
- Regulators and procurement teams - to specify compliant products for public procurement or market surveillance.
- Retailers and product managers - to verify labelling and claims (filter categories, driving suitability).
- Occupational safety specialists - for distinction between general‑use sunglasses and workplace eye protection (see Related Standards).
Related standards
- ISO 12312-2 - filters for direct observation of the sun (e.g., solar eclipse viewers).
- ISO 18527 (all parts) - eyewear for specific sports (e.g., ski goggles).
- ISO 16321 (all parts) - occupational eye protection.
- EU Regulation 2016/425 - personal protective equipment conformity (see Annex ZA).
Keywords: EN ISO 12312-1:2022, ISO 12312-1, sunglasses standard, sunglass filters, transmittance, driving sunglasses, eye protection, CEN, labelling, impact resistance.